#intergenerational knowledge

[raffaellopalandri]

The Violence of Immediacy: Reclaiming Time, Depth, and Meaning in an Age of Accelerated Ephemera

I get back to a topic that we discussed just a few days ago, to further develop it. We live in an age where the chronopolitics of attention have been so thoroughly co-opted by mechanisms of speed, visibility, and reward that even our inner time is no longer our own. Photo by Song Kaiyue on Pexels.com What was once understood as a process, of thinking, maturing, and acquiring insight, has been…

[talesfromthebandgeekmafia]

Man why did my latest obsession have to be a 40 year old fantasy book series

[omegaphilosophia]

The Philosophy of Aging

The philosophy of aging explores the nature, significance, and experience of growing older. It encompasses various dimensions including biological, psychological, social, and existential perspectives. Philosophers, ethicists, and scholars examine the meaning of aging, the value of elderly life, and the societal attitudes towards aging and the elderly. Here’s a comprehensive look at the key concepts and ideas in the philosophy of aging:

1. The Nature of Aging

Biological Aging: This involves the physical changes that occur as organisms grow older, such as the gradual decline in physical and cognitive abilities. Philosophical inquiry into biological aging considers questions about the naturalness and inevitability of physical decline.

Psychological Aging: This dimension examines the mental and emotional aspects of aging. It includes the development of wisdom, changes in identity, and the impact of aging on mental health.

2. The Experience of Aging

Subjective Experience: Philosophers explore what it feels like to grow older. This includes the changing perceptions of time, the accumulation of life experiences, and the emotional and psychological adjustments to aging.

Cultural Narratives: Different cultures have varied narratives and attitudes about aging. The philosophy of aging looks at how these narratives shape individuals’ experiences of growing older and how they influence societal treatment of the elderly.

3. The Value of Elderly Life

Wisdom and Knowledge: Aging is often associated with the accumulation of wisdom and knowledge. Philosophical discussions may focus on the unique contributions that older adults can make to society based on their life experiences and understanding.

Respect and Dignity: The ethical treatment of the elderly is a crucial aspect. Philosophers argue for the respect and dignity of older individuals, challenging ageism and advocating for their rights and wellbeing.

4. Ethical and Social Considerations

Intergenerational Justice: This involves the ethical considerations of resource distribution between generations. Philosophical debates may focus on the obligations of society towards the elderly, including healthcare, social support, and opportunities for meaningful engagement.

End-of-Life Issues: The philosophy of aging also addresses ethical issues related to end-of-life care, euthanasia, and the right to die. These discussions consider the autonomy, dignity, and quality of life of elderly individuals.

5. Existential Perspectives

Meaning and Purpose: Aging brings forth questions about the meaning and purpose of life. Philosophers explore how individuals can find fulfillment and meaning in their later years, despite physical and social challenges.

Acceptance of Mortality: Aging is intimately connected with the awareness of mortality. Philosophical inquiry into aging often includes reflections on how individuals come to terms with their mortality and the implications for how they live their lives.

6. Positive Aging

Active Aging: This concept promotes the idea of staying active and engaged throughout the aging process. It encourages physical activity, social involvement, and continuous learning as means to enhance the quality of life in old age.

Successful Aging: Philosophers and gerontologists explore what it means to age successfully. This includes maintaining physical health, mental well-being, and a sense of purpose and satisfaction in life.

The philosophy of aging provides a multifaceted exploration of what it means to grow older. It challenges societal stereotypes about aging, highlights the value of elderly life, and addresses ethical considerations surrounding the treatment of older individuals. By examining the biological, psychological, social, and existential dimensions of aging, this field offers valuable insights into how we can live fulfilling and dignified lives as we age.

[merriclo]

went to see the barbie movie a few days ago and hm. weird

[thirstkanaphan]

Casting Ateez in a BL (revised and expanded)

Purely self-indulgent and a way for me to draw from my stores of BL knowledge (see my tags) and procrastinate on my actual work

Hongjoong

Hongjoong doesn't quite fit standard BL male lead visuals, yet he has shown himself to be intense, jealous, and possessive with atiny (and certain other members), which makes him a good fit for a cult fave Taiwanese BL. I would cast him in a Lin Pei Yu drama as a lead who secretly and furiously pines over his love interest for years, leading to an explosive moment of passionate intimacy, only to then ghost the love of his life for five years in order to prove himself worthy.

We Best Love 1 & 2 (Taiwan 2021)

Seonghwa

With Seonghwa's ability to draw from the emotional spectrum in his art (sadness, longing, grief, anger) and his unconventional yet staggering good looks, he would be a great fit for a Korean BL directed by my queen Hwang Da Seul. A show about the cost of aiming for perfection in a society that values beauty above all else. Seonghwa would definitely try for a more authentic depiction of queerness in a BL and would not be afraid of playing a messy character yearning for love.

Bleuming (Korea 2023)

Mingi

Given Mingi's penchant for pushing boundaries and zagging where others would zig, I see him fitting in with his new friend Up Poompat in a high-budget Thai BL adapted from a Chinese web novel. A show filled with questionable/downright problematic tropes and an incomprehensible plot, yet with great ratings due to its flashy visual style and high heat. Yes, I think Mingi would have a field day and charm the pants off everyone on the set.

My Stand-In (Thailand, 2024)

Yunho

Realistically, Yunho has the best chance of being cast in a Korean bromance drama like The Devil Judge or Beyond Evil, playing an honor-bound yet impressionable rookie who comes under the thrall of a mysterious and dangerous older mentor. However, we are casting him for BL and I think he would be perfectly suited for a Japanese BL filled with comfortable and nostalgic vignettes of everyday life and extended scenes of one character cooking for the other. His handsome, boy-next-door good looks would make him the ideal romantic lead who quietly devotes himself to his childhood friend-turned-roommate.

Living With Him (Japan, 2024)

Wooyoung

Has there ever been someone more suited to a pulpy Thai BL? I mean this as a compliment, of course. Yes, these shows have a reputation for being little more than sexy melodramas with poor production values, but I see the vision. Wooyoung's magnetism, swagger, and confidence would land him a show produced by Be On Cloud with great cinematography and a high-concept story held together by tape and glue. That wouldn't matter, because Wooyoung would get every advertiser of ice tea and printer ink to fund the show.

KinnPorsche (Thailand, 2022)

San

Yes, I know San was actually used as a visual reference for a character on KinnPorsche, but he would be playing it safe as a nice, strong, romantic lead in a New Siwaj-directed Thai BL. Physically, he embodies all the attributes of a seme, defined as the active pursuer in the narrative. He is the soft dom of our dreams, and would gently yet persistently woo our skittish ML while dealing with the emotional fallout of an intergenerational trauma that threatens his happily-ever-after.

P'DEEEAAAAAN!!!

Until We Meet Again (Thailand, 2019)

Yeosang*

Yeosang is tough to cast, because we know he sees himself as a doberman while the world insists he's a maltese. Unfortunately, his angelic good looks and soft-spoken demeanor would make him catnip for a Koran BL casting director looking for the ideal uke (the passive resistor in the narrative). He would play a sweet-natured yet timed character with a tragic backstory desperate to be loved by the touch-too-possessive ML who has known him since childhood. The show would be inexpensive yet tastefully staged, with a soft and dreamy style. The chemistry would be awkward and unconvincing, but the visuals would do most of the heavy lifting. His co-star would dine out on fan-meetings for the next 2-3 years.

Cherry Blossoms After Winter (Korea, 2022) starring Ok Jin Uk, from the trot idol group SUPERFIVE

*Thanks to an excellent suggestion by @byemambo, I am also casting Yeosang in A Man Who Defies the World of BL, using their explanation:

Mob is easily one of my favorite BL characters because I rewatch A Man Who Defies the World of BL religiously. I know we tend to see Yeosang as this ethereal beauty or someone who defies the odds of reality, but Yeosang to me is one of the funniest and wholesome members once you really take in his personality and composure. I feel like even if he tries not to due to his wallflower and observant tendencies, he draws you in, which is also Mob's dilemma until he has to come to terms with his bigger than life presence in the grand scheme of things. Although he spends so much time avoiding the spotlight and desire to lay low, he finally comes to terms with how signifiant his role is in the lives of others, and I find that beautiful (even if the series itself is unserious in nature haha).

Jongho

This was the hardest casting, because Jongho is so emphatically anti-fan service. Yet his prickly appeal and fondness for weepy dramas makes me think he could tough it out in a melancholy Japanese BL. Despite a mean and grumpy demeanor, his big round eyes would fill with devastation as the person he loves is taken from him too soon, only to get him back with only enough time to say their goodbyes and learn something about acceptance and memory.

Eternal Yesterday (Japan, 2022)

I will happily hear your substitutions or recommendations.

[awkwardandeccentric]

You ever notice how Blitz and Stolas were so traumatized by their fathers that they went too far in the other direction, accidentally hurting their daughters in the process?

Blitz was physically abused, the family scapegoat, constantly made to feel worthless, and taught from a young age that he’s only worth the money he can provide? So he’s overly doting and protective of Loona. He never lectures her, even when she’s causing trouble, because he doesn’t want to upset her and make her feel worthless or disposable. He won’t let her have a boyfriend, despite the fact that she’s an adult. He borderline infantilizes her.

Stolas is more a product of neglect and while he had a better time raising Via, it’s easier to raise a kid that you’ve had from birth as opposed to one you adopted only a month before they aged out of foster care. But he still swung too violently in the opposite direction. He has no boundaries with her. He protects her from the wrong threats (the knowledge of his abuse as opposed to the abuser, herself). It looks like she’s home schooled, so he still hasn’t worked out that the extreme isolation he suffered is a large part of why he’s Like This. He’s spent so much time attending to her every whim that when he decides it’s time to start chasing his own happiness, she can’t empathize because she was his happiness.

It’s a great depiction of intergenerational trauma. Both of them are trying so hard to never make their daughters feel as awful as they felt, but they’re scarring their daughters in different ways.

[certifiedposeidonhater]

Im bored so here is an analysis of how G*be Uglyano affected the way Percy would feel, behave, think, and basically live forever.

TRIGGER WARNING!!!!!!!!! abuse, mention of sa, g*be uglyano, suicidal ideation, etc.

First up, financial abuse:

In the first book, G*be says something along the lines of “this is coming out of your clothing money” when Percy and Sally are leaving for Montauk. This is an example of financial or economic abuse, where one partner in an intimate relationship has control over the other’s finances and economic resources, causing the victim to lose their capacity to support themselves and forcing them to rely solely on the partner.

G*be also steals Percy’s money, which is also another form of financial abuse, although not intimate. This most likely affected Percy’s view of his own money, and how to share his money with others later in his relationship (i.e. whether or not to have joint checking accounts with annabeth, buying a house with annabeth, etc.) It also could affect how he views the money he has in general. He often does not feel like it’s actually HIS money, or feels like he is supposed to give his money to somebody. The way G*be took over Percy’s room with his stuff also affected the way Percy would view his own place and things. He feels almost possessive of his stuff, he feels like the things he owns aren’t really his.

Next, mental/emotional abuse:

G*be makes fun of or humiliates Percy at least 3 times in the books, but based on the knowledge we have and me having basic media literacy skills, it happened a lot more than those few instances (Percy and G*be don’t exactly interact very often in the books.

This is emotional or psychological abuse.

Emotional and psychological abuse can include purposely humiliating, trying to scare, isolating, neglecting, or debilitating a child (we see Gabe humiliate, neglect, and debilitate Percy.) Emotional abuse can also include constant criticism, rejection, dismissing a child’s feelings, calling the child names (which Gabe does), yelling or swearing very often, threats, and allowing the child to witness domestic violence and abuse.

While any child can be a victim of child abuse, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognize that children living in poverty (which Percy was) are at greater risk.

Signs of emotional abuse in children include watchful demeanor, aggression or anger, overly passive or compliant behavior, nervousness around certain people, a tendency to avoid being around certain people, withdrawn or unresponsive demeanor, and low self esteem. All of these can apply to Percy. Children in dysfunctional environments such as Percy’s can believe that everything is normal because that is all they have ever known

Emotional abuse can also lead to cognitive abilities such as trouble focusing, learning, and remembering; academic issues; mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and low self esteem; emotional difficulties such as interpreting, communicating, processing, and regulating emotions; substance use such as nicotine, drugs, and alcohol abuse starting at a young age; and behavioral issues such as acting out, behaving weirdly, and trying extremely hard to please others.

Changes in weight (such as eating disorders, nutrition deficiencies, and malnourishment), sleep issues (such as insomnia, night terrors, or nightmares), physical aches and pains (they don’t have any other discernible cause and don’t seem to get better with treatment), career issues (as a result of lower educational attainment, limited employment opportunities, and an increased risk of delinquency), and relationship issues due to mostly unhealthy dynamics being modeled.

Children with abusive role models are more likely to seek out others who are abusive because it is the dynamic they are used to seeing, or they become abusive themselves. (This is known as the intergenerational cycle of violence.)

All this being said, most of these behaviors and effects can be applied to Percy and we can see the effects of Gabe’s abuse in Percy’s actions and thoughts later in the book.

Percy and Annabeth (while they have an awesome relationship and they REALLY love each other) do not have the healthiest dynamic. Annabeth can often neglect some of Percy’s needs. I AM NOT ACCUSING ANNABETH OF BEING ABUSIVE OR CALLING HER A BAD GIRLFRIEND, HER ACTIONS ARE ALL BECAUSE OF HER OWN TRAUMA. And Percy can sometimes get a little overprotective (caused from having to protect his mom from Gabe) and put himself down (from Gabe constantly criticizing him and putting him down.)

Percy also has trouble trusting and being extremely intimate with Annabeth (as does she with him), reflecting his attachment issues. His emotions and feeling were neglected when he was a child, so he now cannot express or communicate them healthily (or at all) as an adult.

Percy also often puts himself down before others get the chance, because he automatically assumes everyone will. This happens both in a joking manner to others and in his own thoughts, and reflects his low self esteem. It also affects his sense of identity and who he is as a person, leading to him questioning whether or not he is a good person (as we see his do on multiple occasions.)

These effects can result in negative coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse or self-harming. This ties into my stress smoking and smoking in general headcanon that i have for Percy (because we all know that he would not touch a drink after Gabe.)

Then, physical abuse:

In the first book, there is a quote of Percy saying that if he told his mom about Gabe’s financial abuse, Gabe would punch his lights out. Now, anybody with any media literacy skills at all can tell that this is referring to physical abuse. (Sorry, that was a bit intense and offensive.)

Okay, so Percy was physically abused by someone who was supposed to be a trusted parental figure (even though g*be definitely wasn’t trusted.) This, just like with most children, DEEPLY affected Percy. He has trouble maintaining relationships, he doesn’t trust or respect authority figures, and he doesn’t feel good about himself or see himself as worthy.

These are just a few of the effects the physical abuse he suffered gave him (most overlap with emotional abuse.) Many physical child abuse victims become aggressive themselves and “act out.” Personally, i don’t think this applies to Percy because he didn’t exactly “act out,” the trouble usually just found him. Others will become numb and withdrawn, they don’t seem to care anymore whether they are hurt; they lose the ability to process danger. They also may stop trying to socialize or succeed at school. I feel like this one applies to Percy the most, as well as children becoming more fearful and anxious.

The unpredictability of the abuser can result in a child constantly being in flight or fight mode, which i think we all know Percy lives in. But the constant survival state that he is in didn’t start after the war or after his first quest, we saw traces of that before he even found out who his father is. This can be tied back to Gabe.

This unpredictability and lack of control can also lead the victim to look for control in other places, such as controlling their food intake (developing eating disorders where the person restricts their intake as a way to feel more control), sleep patterns, and can lead the victim to substance abuse. (I reflect most of these in my headcanon videos.)

Low self-esteem:

One of the biggest signs of Percy’s childhood abuse is his low self esteem. I talk about this all the time but Percy absolutely HATES himself. He believes that he is a terrible person and is not worthy of anything. He does not believe he is smart, good looking, or an above average warrior (all of which he is.)

This all stems from so many people telling him that he’s annoying, or not a good person. He was ignored and bullied as a kid from both his peers and G*be (that bullying didn’t stop once he came to camp.) This low self esteem is shown in his thoughts and actions.

He has significantly less regard for himself or his health than he does for anybody else. He has what i would call passive suicidal ideation. He is not actively trying to kill or hurt himself, and he doesn’t have any intention of making a plan, but many of his thoughts surround the idea of him being better off dead, or his family and friends being better off with him gone.

Growing up around dv:

While Percy experienced lots of trauma from G*be, he also experiences trauma from witnessing Sally get trauma from G*be (if that makes sense.) Children who grow up experiencing domestic violence or abuse are often impacted. A few of these short-term impacts are anxiety, PTSD, and frequent headaches and stomachaches. (That can tie into my hc of Percy getting super bad migraines.)

Long-term effects include depression and health problems such as a poor diet. Trauma can also be misdiagnosed for ADHD (not saying Percy isn’t ADHD cs he totally is, a few of his ‘symptoms’ might js actually be his trauma.)

Sexual abuse hints:

This is an extremely sensitive topic so i’m not going to dive too deep into it, but with many abusers that are mentally, physically, and financially abusive, the abusive often extends to sexual abuse, as well. The book says that “He [G*be] called it our ‘guy secret.” The idea of keeping a secret from one’s parents can usually be tied to something sexual, although in this case it was literally referring to financial abuse.

Again, this is an EXTREMELY SENSITIVE AND REAL TOPIC (not saying that the other ones i have talked about aren’t, i js have more evidence for those. this is more far fetched) AND I AM NOT OFFICIALLY HEADCANONING THIS OR ANYTHING. I am simply saying that there may be some hints.

this thing is super long so i hope this makes sense lol

Overall:

G*be sucks. Percy’s traumatized and it affects his actions, thoughts, and relationships (romantic, familial, and platonic.)

[spottheantisemitism]

Filler Essay: DC Legends of Tomorrow is Antisemitic

A lot of Science fiction tv shows that deal with conspiracy theories or alternate history are antisemitic, usually adding a Jew to the cast will compensate for that but only if the writers actually know how to write it

In Warehouse 13, a x-files style artifact of the week show where the premise is the government is hiding cool but dangerous tech created accidentally or deliberately by history's greatest minds has the dangers to fall into antisemitic conpiracy but it never does, partially because of the Jewish writers and actors. The man in the chair to our generic brand Mulder and Scully is a Jewish man whose checkered past and clear intergenerational trauma are potrayed sympathetically and his knowledge of Jewish folklore actually comes in handy once or twice. There's even the hannukah episode where the other characters force him to talk to his family. It's great. While having a VERY similar tone and premise, Legends of Tomorrow isn’t like that.

so ummm Legends of Tommorow doesn't do that with it's token Jew character. Despite having him state multiple times that Martin Stein is a Jew and have his wedding flashback be in a synagogue and have him wear a Hannukah sweater through the the writers JUST DON'T GET that a Jewish man traveling back in time is in pretty big danger even when the time period isn't Nazi Germany. One episode has Stein be confused about why a sundown town would be dangerous and has his black teammate, Jefferson Jackson whom he has to stay close to in order to have powers, has to explain to him. A man named Martin Stein would be in as much danger in a sundown town as a his black teammate

The show also starts with Martin drugging Jackson and dragging him onto the Time Machine since Jefferson didn’t want to travel because a) he had a life and a hero career and a girlfriend in the present and b) he wasn’t keen on traveling to periods where he would be in danger or wouldn’t have legal rights. Since Jackson and Martin share a powerset, Stein does the most unethical thing possible and drags Jefferson into this against his will. Some “unsavory jew preys upon the youth” trope straight out of 19th century pulps and 20th century propaganda.

I promised nazi earths but I will admit I dropped the show before I got to those myself but apparently there is: Stein falling in love with a woman who turns out to be a nazi spy, a nazi earth that’s actually good because they’re keeping back aliens that far worse, and one where the protocols are real. Adding insult to injury Stein eventually dies after succumbing to the wounds from being shot by a nazi on one of the many nazi earths because apparently that’s shocking and ironic and not cheap. That would be like if some white writer did a shitty remake of Octavia Butler’s Kindred and had the time traveling black protagonist die in the slavery era for “extra irony”.

Lastly is all the “antagonists try to burn Stein and/or Jackson alive” plots. Since the shared powerset of firestorm is well fire, they can easily survive upon merging and the drama becomes for one to get within merging range of the bonfire/furnace ect where the other is being burned. It’s still pretty disturbing to watch. I’m not the kind of writer who says “don’t do fucked up thing”, I’m the kind of writer who says “acknowledge the thing was fucked up and might have messed up the characters”. Which they don’t.

I will now hand over the mic to @aleph-sharp who requested this topic and watched the entire show

[favouritefi]

could write a whole thesis about how silna being "lady silence" is both a result of typical (violently) colonialist attitudes towards Indigenous women and also a form of resistance against the colonialist extraction of Indigenous knowledge. knowledge, stories, and meaning-making are all valuable resources, particularly within an oral tradition and a context that relies on intergenerational understanding of working with the land. i could but i won't. because i'm supposed to be writing something else right now. i'm on the clock.

[raffaellopalandri]

Temporal Commodification and the Metaphysics of Rhythm: Capitalism’s Assault on Human Time and Dignity

It has become almost banal to say that we live in a time of exhaustion. Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com But this banality disguises the horror of what we are enduring: a sustained assault on time itself, not merely in its measurable, calendrical sense, but in its deeper, existential, and metaphysical reality. This essay is not about productivity, efficiency, or time management. It is about what…

[blackstarlineage]

The Breakdown of Intergenerational Dialogue in the Black Diaspora: A Garveyite Perspective

Introduction: The Crisis of Intergenerational Communication

One of the greatest challenges facing the Black Diaspora today is the growing disconnect between older and younger generations. This breakdown of intergenerational dialogue has weakened Black unity, disrupted the transmission of knowledge, and left many young people without a solid foundation in Black history, identity, and self-determination.

From a Garveyite perspective, this problem is not just a family or community issue—it is a deliberate product of systemic oppression aimed at keeping Black people divided, disorganized, and disconnected from their own historical wisdom.

Understanding and repairing intergenerational dialogue is crucial because it represents:

Black historical continuity – The knowledge of our ancestors must be passed down to empower future generations.

Black community strength – A unified people can not be easily manipulated or destroyed.

Black self-determination – When young people embrace the wisdom of their elders, they build institutions and movements that uplift the entire race.

If the breakdown of communication between Black generations continues, then the legacy of Black liberation struggles will be lost, and each generation will be forced to “start over” instead of building upon the successes of the past.

1. The Causes of the Breakdown in Intergenerational Dialogue

A. The Impact of Colonization, Enslavement, and Cultural Erasure

For centuries, colonial and white supremacist systems have sought to erase Black historical knowledge by cutting off younger generations from their ancestors’ wisdom.

During slavery, African families were deliberately separated, breaking down the transmission of cultural traditions.

In the colonial and post-colonial eras, European education systems devalued African ways of knowing, making many Black elders internalize the idea that their knowledge was “primitive” or “irrelevant.”

Example: The erasure of African languages and spiritual systems under colonial rule prevented Black people from passing down their full cultural and historical identity.

Key Takeaway: Without a strong foundation in their own history, younger Black generations struggle to build meaningful connections to their roots.

B. The Rise of Individualism and the Decline of Collective Identity

Black liberation movements have historically been based on collectivism—the idea that the success of one Black person is tied to the success of all Black people.

However, Western capitalist and neoliberal ideologies have promoted hyper-individualism, leading younger generations to focus more on personal success than community upliftment.

This shift in values has weakened Black mentorship, community building, and respect for elders, as many young people no longer see the relevance of learning from past struggles.

Example: In previous generations, elders were seen as wisdom-keepers who guided the youth, but today, older generations are often dismissed as “outdated” or “irrelevant.”

Key Takeaway: Without intergenerational connections, each new generation must struggle alone instead of benefiting from the lessons of the past.

C. The Role of Media and Miseducation in Destroying Black Unity

Mainstream media and school curriculums have contributed to the intergenerational divide by failing to teach Black history accurately and distorting Black struggles.

Many young Black people have been conditioned to see the Civil Rights Movement, Pan-Africanism, and Black Nationalism as “old” and no longer relevant.

Older generations, in turn, often struggle to relate to younger Black people’s experiences, dismissing them as “entitled” or “disrespectful.”

Example: The media glorifies entertainment and consumer culture but ignores Black scholars, activists, and historians, preventing young people from learning about their own intellectual traditions.

Key Takeaway: Black people must control their own education and media to ensure that intergenerational knowledge is preserved and respected.

2. The Consequences of Intergenerational Breakdown

A. Loss of Historical Memory and Black Identity

When younger Black generations do not learn from their elders, they lose access to ancestral wisdom, revolutionary strategies, and survival techniques.

This leaves them vulnerable to manipulation by oppressive systems, repeating the same mistakes that past generations fought to overcome.

The absence of intergenerational teaching has also led to a loss of cultural pride, as many Black youth do not see themselves as part of a larger historical struggle.

Example: Many Black youth today do not know about great Pan-African leaders like Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, and Kwame Nkrumah, leaving them disconnected from the struggle for Black liberation.

Key Takeaway: If young Black people do not learn from the past, they will be forced to learn painful lessons that could have been avoided.

B. Weakening of Black Political and Economic Movements

Without strong intergenerational mentorship, Black organizations and movements struggle to sustain themselves.

Many Black-led movements today face the same obstacles as past generations, but because history is not properly passed down, each generation has to “reinvent the wheel.”

Black economic progress has also been stalled by the lack of mentorship in business, finance, and wealth-building.

Example: While past Black communities focused on Black-owned businesses and cooperative economics, today’s Black youth are often forced to navigate capitalism alone, leading to financial instability.

Key Takeaway: Economic and political knowledge must be passed down so that future Black generations can build upon previous successes.

3. Solutions: Rebuilding Intergenerational Dialogue in the Black Diaspora

A. Restoring Respect for Elders and Ancestral Knowledge

Black communities must rebuild respect for elders by creating spaces for intergenerational dialogue.

Elders must also adapt their teaching methods to meet younger generations where they are, using modern technology, social media, and creative storytelling.

Black elders should take active roles in mentorship programs, passing down knowledge about Black history, economics, and self-determination.

Example: Community centres, churches, and grassroots organizations should create Elders Councils to guide Black youth in politics, business, and culture.

Key Takeaway: Black elders and youth must work together to restore the tradition of knowledge transmission.

B. Decolonizing Black Education and Media

Black people must take control of their education systems, ensuring that Black history and knowledge are taught in schools, families, and online spaces.

Black-owned media platforms must elevate Black scholars, historians, and activists, rather than just celebrities and entertainers.

Black families must prioritize African-centered education, teaching children about Pan-Africanism, Black Nationalism, and economic self-sufficiency.

Example: Black communities should invest in Black homeschooling cooperatives, online Black history courses, and African cultural institutions.

Key Takeaway: A miseducated Black youth is a lost generation—education that must be reclaimed by Black hands.

C. Rebuilding Collective Economic and Political Power

Older and younger generations must work together to rebuild Black economic independence, creating Black mentorship programs in business, finance, and trade.

Intergenerational activism must be revived, bringing elders and youth into political movements together to demand justice and self-determination.

Black communities must establish financial literacy programs, land ownership initiatives, and cooperative economics to sustain generational wealth.

Example: Black organizations must create Elders-Youth Councils where young Black entrepreneurs are mentored by seasoned business leaders.

Key Takeaway: Economic self-sufficiency and political power can not exist without strong intergenerational cooperation.

Conclusion: Will We Rebuild the Bridge Between Black Generations?

Marcus Garvey said:

“A people without knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.”

Will Black people restore intergenerational dialogue, or allow our history to be erased?

Will we honour our elders and learn from their struggles, or continue to repeat the same mistakes?

Will we build strong Black institutions together, or remain divided across generational lines?

The Choice is Ours. The Time is Now.

[sylvies-chen]

I need to explain why forgetting carl had such a deep impact on rick because there’s this whole other level to it ok bear with me here:

there’s this term used in many different academic fields— anthropology, psychology, history, migration and decolonization, ethics— called memory work. it’s basically the process of remembering the experience of history and the studying of social memory. it’s largely used in relation to migrants who don’t have homes, steady routines, or consistent grounding details to help their memory, so the one space they don’t have to flee from or that hasn’t become “colonized” is their minds. memory is a way of preserving not just personal memory, but social and cultural history.

so the fact that rick can’t remember carl is HUGE. when the dreams stop, that is a big deal. because so much of what they went through as father and son happened when they were effectively displaced from their home by the circumstances of the world. their constant process of migration in the original show probably affected social memory and people’s capacity to remember in really massive ways. plus, rick’s love for carl especially is thematically embedded with ideas of legacy, memory, and the intergenerational transmission of knowledge as motivation for creating a better world. he wanted to make a new world for his son! their relationship was symbolic of the construction of a new civilization and cultural identity. that’s part of why rick grimes was so revered and admired, because his memory work helped forge a new identity and home that everyone could ground themselves in.

but then rick gets to the CRM, where there is a consistent routine, confinement to a specific place, a value on sameness and cohesion from obedience, and an isolation from these sort of “cultural” objects or artefacts that might help jog his memory of carl (familiar places like ASZ, carl’s handprints on the porch, judith’s drawings of their family, carl’s letter to rick, etc.). this means that the CRM effectively tried to destroy rick’s capacity for memory for 8 years.

he performed memory work to resist, by getting the faces of his loved ones drawn onto phone screens, writing letters to michonne and judith, keeping any possessions from ASZ that he could. but the chaotic outside world he travelled through under extreme, stressful circumstances becomes harder to carry with him when he’s being presented with an environment so sturdy and consistent that denies him contact with anything to preserve his memory of history.

so effectively, the CRM and the way their city is set up uses tactics one would see in brainwashing and the formation of cults or colonial projects. the CRM relies on separation of families and the destruction of memory to succeed.

this isn’t just rick being worn down and losing his spine. it’s deeper than that. it is the erasure of his social and cultural memory of the apocalypse and of alexandria. and carl grimes was the first price that had to be paid.

[omegaphilosophia]

The Philosophy of the Future

The philosophy of the future involves a rigorous examination of what lies ahead for humanity and the universe. This field encompasses questions about time, technological advancement, ethical considerations, and the potential directions of human development. By contemplating the future, philosophers aim to understand the implications of present actions, the nature of foresight, and the ethical responsibilities tied to shaping what comes next. It blends elements of metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, and science fiction, offering a comprehensive framework for thinking about what the future holds.

Key Themes in the Philosophy of the Future

Nature of Time and Temporal Experience:

Philosophers explore the metaphysical nature of time, questioning whether the future is predetermined, open, or exists in a multi-dimensional framework.

They examine human experience of time and how our understanding of the future shapes current behavior and decision-making.

Predictive Knowledge and Foresight:

The philosophy of the future delves into the limits and possibilities of predicting future events. This includes the reliability of scientific models, probability theory, and the role of uncertainty.

Philosophers consider how much we can know about the future and the implications of acting on such knowledge.

Technological Advancements and Transhumanism:

The impact of future technologies on society and the human condition is a major area of interest. This includes discussions on artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and the ethics of human enhancement.

Transhumanism, or the idea of transcending human limitations through technology, raises questions about identity, ethics, and the definition of humanity.

Ethical Responsibilities and Future Generations:

Philosophers examine the ethical duties we hold toward future generations. This involves debates on sustainability, environmental ethics, and the distribution of resources.

The concept of intergenerational justice focuses on how present actions affect the welfare and rights of those who come after us.

Utopian and Dystopian Visions:

The exploration of utopian and dystopian scenarios serves as a philosophical tool to understand potential futures and the values that drive them.

Philosophers analyze the societal, political, and ethical underpinnings of ideal and nightmarish futures, often using literature and speculative fiction as frameworks.

Existential Risks and Global Catastrophes:

The study of existential risks, or events that could threaten the survival of humanity, is a critical aspect of future-oriented philosophy.

This includes natural disasters, technological threats, and the ethical implications of preventing or mitigating such risks.

Future of Consciousness and Artificial Intelligence:

Philosophers consider the potential for artificial intelligence to surpass human intelligence and what this means for the future of consciousness.

They explore the ethical treatment of AI, the potential for machine consciousness, and the implications for human society.

Philosophical Implications of Space Exploration:

The potential for space colonization and the search for extraterrestrial life raises questions about human expansion, ethics, and the nature of life in the universe.

Philosophers explore the motivations and consequences of venturing beyond Earth.

The philosophy of the future is a dynamic and multifaceted field that challenges us to think critically about what lies ahead. By examining the nature of time, the limits of predictive knowledge, and the ethical implications of our actions, this philosophy provides a framework for navigating the uncertainties and possibilities of the future. It encourages a forward-thinking perspective that balances hope, caution, and ethical responsibility, shaping our approach to the unknown.

[hallowpen]

The Influence of Thai Culture on Attitudes towards Disabilities as it Relates to Last Twilight

(This is a combination of personal experiences/observations having lived in Bangkok and my learned academic knowledge/own personal research. I am not an expert by any means, but I wanted to offer some insight from my own personal point of view.)

While Thailand has certain provisions in place to prevent disability discrimination, it is still very much present in Thai society. Disability legislation is not strictly enforced and accessibility is extremely limited. That is not to say that efforts aren't being made to promote education and inclusivity, just that views and attitudes toward individuals with disabilities have been slow to reform. As such, there is a negative stigma that exists in Thailand where disabled individuals are, for the most part, seen as a burden or an inconvenience. There are certain cultural aspects that, unfortunately, contribute toward this outlook:

Collectivism and Tradition - Thailand can be labeled as a collectivistic society. What that means is, there is a tendency to favor the 'grouped' majority over individual interests. As a result, individuals with disabilities are less likely to be integrated into their communities. The urge to conform to group rules and traditions hinders Thai society from accepting "disruptive" change. Communities prefer to avoid the uncertainty and ambiguity of the unknown, which reduces the amount of conversations centering around disability education. I stated in my review of LT, that there needed to be a deeper conversation surrounding the experiences and realities of the disabled community in order for the series to have the impact it intended to. And this is why. It needs to be talked about, otherwise nothing will change and, much like the last part of that final episode, ableist views/language will prevail.

Religious Influence - At this point (if you are a fan of Thai dramas), you probably already know that Buddhism is the predominant religion in Thailand. We are taught to be merciful towards the weak and to give of ourselves to those who are less fortunate. While helping others should absolutely be seen as morally good, these viewpoints can also give rise to societal stigmas surrounding disabilities. Receiving unsolicited assistance as a disabled person became a constant question of: are you genuinely concerned out of kindness OR because you somehow see me as 'less than' and therefore feel you have a moral obligation to step in. In LT, I understood Day's insistent worry of being on the receiving end of someone else's pity. There was a reason why it was so prevalent in his story and why he questioned the motives of others' actions so frequently. Because Thai culture has inadvertently labeled disabled people as being 'frail' and 'in need' and who should, therefore, be met with sympathy.

Caregiving - While there are social welfare programs and services available in Thailand, generally, it is the responsibility of the family to care for and provide for their disabled relatives. Intergenerational care is a big part of Thai culture, but in this instance it's not entirely positive. The broader Thai society infantilizes people with disabilities, which means they are often disallowed from making their own decisions by those who care for them (sound familiar?). As a result, they live under less than ideal conditions that exclude them from being active members of their communities. It's upsetting that people with disabilities exist largely out of the public eye, when opportunities to be present in society and engaging with their community could potentially change their status and offset stereotypical attitudes. One of the best parts of LT that I will continuously praise it for, is Mhok's version of caregiving that completely turns these views on its (their?) head. He's not afraid to stand up to Day (or how Day's been conditioned to feel toward his blindness) and gently pushes him toward self acceptance and engagement within his community. Mhok is subtle in a way that he does what is required of him as a caregiver without ever taking away Day's agency. And that was extremely important to see against Day's mother's more 'traditional' care.

Treatment - I'm not well versed when it comes to Thai healthcare. I do know that outside of traditional medicine, access to more advanced modern treatment is highly dependent on income and social standing. Other than that, it is a disabled person's prerogative to seek treatment if a treatment exists for their disability and is accessible to them. It is also their prerogative to refuse treatment. Neither decision should be judged or actively swayed by outside perspectives (though this happens more often than not). It is highly plausible that someone in Day's position, coupled with his mother's status, would have both the access and the desire to receive a corneal transplant surgery. The outcome of Day's vision being restored was never the issue for me. The fault lies in its execution and what was implied in the aftermath.

...that's all I got. I don't really know how to end this...I'm tired.

(Please note, this is not at all meant to paint Thailand in a bad light. Thai society is fairly accepting of individuals with disabilities and positive attitudes do exist, but certain perspectives need to change!)

tagging @lurkingshan @waitmyturtles @shannankle

[inariedwards]

Museum news from Finland:

Museum of Northern Ostrobothnia donates its Sámi collection to the Sámi Museum Siida

The Sámi Museum Siida is the national museum with the responsibility for preserving the material and cultural heritage of Finland's Sámi people. The Sámi objects in the Museum of Northern Ostrobothnia's collections were mainly acquired between 1900 and the 1960s with the last ones added to the collections in the 1980s.

The first part of the donation, which includes the textile items of the collection, will be transferred to representatives of the Sámi museum in the collection facilities of the Museum of North Ostrobothnia on Tuesday, 16 January 2024.

– As the new collection and exhibition facilities of the Sámi Museum Siida are now completed, this seemed like a good time to donate the objects of Sámi origin back to the Sámi community, says Pasi Kovalainen, Director of Cultural heritage work at the Museum of Northern Ostrobothnia.

– The Sámi objects and their return have a profound meaning for the Sámi community. The donation is a significant addition to the oldest part of the Sámi Museum Siida's collections. We thank the Museum of Northern Ostrobothnia for this important decision, says Taina Pieski, Siida's Museum Director.

The collections of the Museum of North Ostrobothnia that include objects of Sámi origin date back to the early days of the only professionally run museum in Northern Finland. The objects were collected by Samuli Paulaharju (1875–1944), a folklorist and museum curator from Oulu. The collection was destroyed almost completely by two fires in the museum buildings in 1929 and 1940. After both fires, replacement items were collected in Lapland.

The collection of approximately 400 items now donated consists of Sámi textiles and utensils, including a goahti (traditional Sámi hut) and several sledges. The oldest items include a cheese mould from Enontekiö dating back to 1797 and rare crossbow stocks, the oldest of which dates back to 1730.

As a large part of the Sámi cultural heritage is still held by museums outside the Sámi region, the transfer of the collection is important for the Sámi community.

The Sámi material culture is both practical and beautiful in its diversity, and the museum objects contain a wealth of intangible knowledge about their manufacture and use. This knowledge is best preserved in Sápmi by the Sámi themselves. Through the study of artefacts, it is possible to revive the old craft traditions and techniques of the Sámi community, knowledge of materials and the vocabulary related to the production and use of the objects. The revitalisation processes are a form of communal and intergenerational transfer of learning and knowledge, and they contribute to the transmission of Sámi material and immaterial culture to future generations.

The transfer of Sámi collections to the Sámi Museum Siida over the past decade is a concrete demonstration of genuine cooperation between museums and the increased understanding of the importance of cultural heritage for the Sámi community.

[iukasylvie]

"Abuse Isn't Always a Metaphor": Revolutionary Girl Utena, Fruits Basket, One Piece, and How Fandom Talks About Grooming

I've been thinking a lot about how fandom discussions often center the anime Revolutionary Girl Utena when talking about systems of abuse and grooming—especially how family structures and institutions enable it. And while Utena definitely explores those themes through poetic and symbolic storytelling, it's fascinating how little credit other works get for doing the exact same thing—just in a more direct, emotionally grounded way.

Take Fruits Basket, for instance. The Sohma family's treatment of Akito isn't just "abuse dynamics are messy"—it's intergenerational trauma, enforced by a rigid family structure that treats Akito as a literal god and then denies her any kind of emotional development or autonomy. Akito wasn't born a monster. Akito was raised to be one—by elders, servants, and traditions that normalized emotional abuse as devotion.

Or look at One Piece—a series often dismissed as just a "funny pirate anime" but quietly offers some of the most chilling portrayals of systemic and familial grooming. Kurozumi Higurashi didn't just "manipulate" Orochi—she groomed him, exploiting her authority and knowledge as a clan elder, when she found him as a persecuted, ignorant orphan. She fed his resentment, taught him to lie, schemed for revenge on an entire country that wronged their clan, and used him as a vessel to restore the Kurozumi name. Orochi became exactly the tyrant she molded him to be, and it's tragic as hell.

Meanwhile, in Utena, Akio Ohtori's grooming of Anthy Himemiya and others is horrifying—but it's buried beneath metaphor and theater. It's the implication that matters more than the explicit fallout. Anthy's trauma is real, but it's shown through stylized manipulation, symbolic incest, and dream logic. It works—but it's not necessarily more powerful than the raw, emotionally intimate horror of how Fruits Basket or One Piece show grooming as a generational process.

And yet, Utena is the one most often referenced in discussions about "institutionalized abuse" or "grooming dynamics," as if nothing else reaches its level of sophistication. But maybe the issue isn't the content—it's how fandom prefers its abuse narratives: cloaked in metaphor, romanticized in aesthetics, or wrapped in art-house ambiguity.

Sometimes we need to name the monster directly.